2 of 107 cases completed at Berbice Criminal Assizes

…4 of 65 finished in Essequibo

The Berbice Criminal Assizes commenced on June 21 with 107 cases listed to be heard but only two matters, one each for murder and rape of a child/sexual activity with a child under 16 years, were completed before Justice Brassington Reynolds.
In the murder case, the accused was found guilty by a majority jury verdict of 10 to 2 for the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

In the sexual offences matter, the accused was found unanimously guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison on each of the two counts. Both sentences will run concurrently.
This Berbice Criminal Assizes continues up to tomorrow at the High Court in that county.
During this time, the Essequibo Criminal Assizes commenced on May 17 with 65 cases listed to be heard. Four cases for murder and attempted murder were completed before Justices Reynolds and Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in that county’s High Court.
Two matters for the offence of murder were completed before Justice Reynolds.
In one of the murder cases, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years and nine months’ imprisonment.
In the other murder matter, the accused was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment after the jury returned a verdict of guilty.
Meanwhile, one matter each for murder and attempt to commit murder was done before Justice Sewnarine-Beharry. The accused in the murder cases pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, while the accused who was indicted for attempt to commit murder was found guilty by the jury on the lesser offence of wounding with intent.
He is awaiting sentencing. In addition, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) nolle prosequi a sexual offence matter because the complainant gave a statement in which she indicated that she did not wish to proceed with giving evidence against the accused.
The Essequibo Criminal Session remains in progress up to October 25.
The Berbice October Criminal Assizes with 116 cases listed to be heard will commence on October 118. The Essequibo Criminal Assizes will commence on October 25. (G1)